Man uses karate moves on alleged robbers

November 12, 2008 3:47:58 PM PST

Eyewitness News

NEW YORK --

Diogenes Angeles was heading home from the store Tuesday morning minding his own business when he says two twenty somethings and a teen figured robbing the 57-year-old grandfather would be like stealing candy from a baby. Diogenes says one of the men snatched a paper out of his hand and he says that was their first mistake.

The grandfather of six told the group he didn't want any problems.

But he says their second and final mistake came when they tried to rob him.

Diogenes dusted off some old karate moves he learned as a boy.

But says he didn't have to get fancy.

One punch and the alleged would-be robbers took off running.

The retired sign painter then hopped into a police car and helped officers catch the suspects a few blocks away.

Mr. Angeles used the road as a short cut and he tells his wife and son to avoid it because it's remote and dangerous. Now he plans to take his own advice.

With his pants wrapped around his ankles, 23-year-old Rakeem Johnson cried after being arrested.